Sony Smart TV: making your TV multifunctional

Smart TV is a feature that is present on all modern Sony TVs. Thanks to this, on devices you can perform all the same operations as on a computer, and even more. A user who has a Sony Bravia TV can now watch videos online directly from the TV without going to the computer. But you need to connect to the Internet. You can also browse the web and install various applications.

In addition, to use the Smart TV function it is not at all necessary to buy the most expensive Sony devices, but you can opt for the budget category of TVs. Particular attention should be paid to the programs and applications that you install on the TV, since their quantity and quality largely determine what functions the device can perform.

Where to get applications for Sony Smart TV

All manufacturers of smart TVs install an original browser as standard on their devices, which is also included with other equipment. For the Sony company, this is ForkPlayer, which has a lot of interesting functions and makes the TV more convenient and enjoyable. But this player can be installed not only on Sony TVs, but also on other devices that run on the Android system.

As a result, you will be able to:

• Watch online channels, films and videos from various sites;
• The browser also helps you view information on a flash drive or stored in the TV’s memory.

Any user can add this application to a Sony TV. Download the player either from the official Sony website or from unofficial resources, of course, if you are not afraid of catching a virus or installing a low-quality, outdated application.

In addition, there is a standard Smart menu, which is also used as a search application if the usual set of content does not suit the user. You can do anything you want through the Smart Menu, since it is the main tool for operating the device. It reflects any program that runs on the TV, and here this list can be thinned out or replenished.

How to install applications on Sony TV

After connecting the TV to the Internet, you should update the firmware for the Sony Bravia Smart TV. Instructions for updating the firmware can be found in the documentation for the Sony device.

Let's look at the most necessary programs.

1. The most popular video resource YouTube. There is special control and optimization for viewing directly on the television remote control. Press "SEN" on the remote control. Having opened “My Applications”, use the remote arrows to point at the “+” icon. In the directory we find the YouTube shortcut and right-click the remote control to confirm - “Open”. After opening the application, scroll through the menu using the up and down buttons on the remote control. Inside: settings, names, thematic selections. After stopping on the menu line, the TV will load a selection of stories, which are scrolled through in the same way on the remote control. You can start viewing by pressing the center key. The pause and rewind buttons on the remote control are equivalent to those on the application screen player. The “Return” button returns to the previous menu.
2. Built-in browser for browsing the Internet. Find the “WWW” application, then the central button of the remote control and click “Open”. To enter an address, use the arrows to move the search to the address bar. Press the center button and the arrows to select letters and symbols. After writing, press "Enter". On Bravia models 2012-2013. The address bar appears when you press the “Option” key on the remote control and select “Enter URL”.
3. Skype. Supported on TV via the Internet. If your TV does not have a built-in camera, you will need to purchase an external one specifically for Sony from the same manufacturer. To add an icon to the “My Applications” screen, press “SEN” on the remote control, then press the plus sign in “My Applications”, find the Skype shortcut. The application is now in quick launch. When starting, enter your username and password for the application and communicate in the same way as on a computer or laptop.
4. Special mobile application TVSide View. It will only work with a mobile device. With it you can turn any smartphone or tablet into a TV remote control. The program is downloaded for free from the built-in iOS or Android store. To work, the TV and smart phone must be on the same local network or connected directly via Wi-Fi Direct. After downloading, select “Add device”. After scanning the space, the application will offer several devices to choose from. Find the name of your TV. A pairing code will appear on the TV, which is entered into the mobile device.

The TV will not be able to completely replace the computer when installing applications on the Sony Smart TV. Complex page design slows down the operating system. Therefore, programs and pages will take longer to load than on a good PC. Some will not launch at all, as they will require browser plugins that Smart does not support.

Fork player for Sony Smart TV

Fork Player is a browser designed for Sony Smart TV. Using this application, you can watch movies, online channels from various sites that are usually not supported by TVs. The difference between this application is that all information from sites is read, processed and converted into the required format.

Possibilities

One of the possibilities in the form of previously inaccessible viewing of information from sites has already been considered. Other “skills” of this browser:

• support for flash player, with which you can listen to music;
• saving and creating your own playlists;
• viewing playlists from other devices that support Fork Player;
• access to install unofficial applications.

Try out the capabilities of Sony Smart TVs

Settings

• entering the TV network connection menu;
• manual installation selection;
• in the window that appears with the DNS code, you need to enter a new one - 46. 36. 218. 194. If this does not work, you need to try one of the following: 85. 17. 30. 89 or 217. 79. 190. 156;
• you need to launch one of the applications through the Opera Store: now. ru Theta or Lifeshow.

Connecting to a phone

Sony Smart TV can be connected to your phone. This is done in order to:

• view audio, video and other media;
• use TV to transfer pictures from your phone during the game;
• visit any Internet sites that are not accessible by telephone;
• include demonstrations and presentations from the phone memory.

There are several connection methods. The simplest is to sync using HDMI for a direct connection. Procedure:

• after starting the TV, select HDMI as the signal source;
• connect your phone using a cable;
• wait until the image is adjusted to the screen resolution.

The second way you can consider connecting via USB. In this case, the device will primarily be considered as a flash drive. Connection method:

• connect one end to the mobile phone, the other to the TV;
• In the TV menu you need to open “Signal source” and select USB there.

As you can see, Smart TV technology adds a huge number of additional features to the TV. Setting up these functions is, for the most part, extremely simple. This is why many people choose Sony Bravia Smart TV. Thanks to this article, you can establish how to properly set up your TV.

Smart TV settings on Sony Bravia

To fully enjoy the quality of use, you need to set up your Sony Smart TV. First of all, you should start by connecting to the Internet. This can be done in two ways:

• using a wire;
• remotely, wirelessly.

To connect by wire, you will need a patch-cord cable. It is sold in most electronics stores.

Important! You can confuse the required patch-cord with cross-patch-cord. They are similar in appearance, but are intended for different uses.

It is better to take the wire size with a reserve, based on the distance from the distributor to the smart TV. Procedure for setting up:

1. Insert one part of the wire into the desired Internet port on the TV, the other into the router connector;
   

   Important! The main thing, again, is not to confuse it with another connector that is not intended for Internet connection, otherwise nothing will come of it.

2. Enter the main TV menu using the remote control;
3. Go to sections “Installation” – “Network” – “Network settings” – “Setting a connection”;
4. In the window that appears, select “Simple”.

The second way to connect to the Internet is using Wi-Fi. All points of the previous connection are repeated, except that after clicking “Just” a new window will appear in which two options will be offered:

• by pressing WSP;
• by entering a password.

Connection via WSP is carried out by pressing the corresponding button on the router.

First of all, when setting up a Sony Smart TV, you need to install the appropriate updates. After this you need to follow these steps:

1. Enter the main menu using the “Home” button on the remote control;
2. Section “Settings”;
3. Item “Network”;
4. Next – “Updating Internet content”.

In this way, the TV will automatically join the SonyEntertainmentNetwork system. After setting, you will be prompted to exit to the menu. Thus, it is now possible to switch channels, configure them and view them.

Instructions for deleting the application

Note! System applications are not available for uninstallation.

Applications that were installed by the user themselves are removed as follows:

• Expand the main menu by pressing the “HOME” button on the remote control.
• Go to the “Applications” section.
• Find the Google Play Store and log in to your account.
• In the service menu, find and expand “My Applications”.
• From the list of all installed applications, select the one you want to remove.
• Click on the corresponding “DELETE / UNINSTALL” button.

• We confirm the actions by clicking on “OK”.

The application removal procedure is complete.

Samsung Smart View Features and Capabilities

The program was created for the convenience of controlling a TV device in tandem with a smartphone. This combination offers many benefits:

1. Remote control without remote control. A smartphone configured with all possible buttons replaces the standard remote control.
2. TV as a player for your phone. The entire contents of the gadget’s memory: photos, videos, audio are perfectly viewed and played from the large screen of the TV device.
3. Playlists. The ability to create your own playlist is a convenient addition to the Smart View functions. Your favorite photos, videos and music will always be quickly accessible.
4. Playing computer files. A similar function as number 2, but applicable to a PC.
5. You can turn the TV on and off using your phone. Management of Smart Hub utilities is available.
6. Setting sleep mode.

Unfortunately, as the practice of using the program states, it does not have the opposite property: for example, broadcasting films shown on cable TV from a TV to a computer.

Several utilities used in the application allow you to reveal its capabilities:

• Remote – controls a Samsung TV from a gadget or computer, replacing the remote control;
• Dual View – with its help the image broadcast is synchronized (delays are possible due to the use of Bluetooth wireless communication);
• Bluetooth PowerON – controls sleep mode, as well as system turning on of the TV;
• Game Remote is designed for games, with the smartphone acting as a joystick.

It should be noted that the latter utility works in limited and full mode. In the second option, you need to use a gyroscope as a control element. However, the option in the Smart app does not work. In this case, full access to the Smart Hub service and synchronization of the TV with a remote server is possible.

Popular apps

Users of Sony smart TVs based on the Android TV operating system have access to most applications from the Google Play Store service. But from the general list, the most popular ones still stand out.

This list is headed by online cinemas: “IVI”, “Netflix”, “Megogo”, “Kinopoisk”.

Kinopoisk.ru application

The applications are filled only with high-quality, varied and interesting content. Suitable for the whole family. And they will allow you to watch film premieres at home.

The next application is “Youtube”. It is also interesting that one account can be used on different devices. This way, recommendations and preferences are always available and do not require additional viewing fees.

One of the favorite apps of housewives is Smart Chef. This is a kind of video and text instructor for preparing various dishes. The assortment is impressive, recipes are updated monthly.

“Sportbox” is another application of interest. Football matches and the main sporting events of the day are broadcast here, as well as much more. The service is provided free of charge. Updates automatically.

This list cannot be complete without instant messengers. One of the most downloaded applications was Skype. The program installed on the TV also allows you to maintain relationships with loved ones even at a distance, hold conferences, and send text messages.

Solving possible problems

Complex devices often work with errors. The more multi-component the device, the greater their likelihood. Let's consider a number of popular problems:

Applications or online services do not work correctly. The sites open normally. Most likely a firmware update is needed.

A set of applications has disappeared from the list of programs that open from the “SEN” menu and when selected from the “+” button. After resetting the settings, it happens that the TV takes a long time to update the list of programs. If the program directory does not appear, make sure you have Internet access. It is checked by logging into the Internet through a web browser with the “WWW” icon. This is a built-in program and is always present. If there is no work, check the network again. If the browser is working correctly, return to the main menu. From the “HOME” button, enter “Network Settings” and select “Update Internet Content”.

If this does not help, disable IPv6 routing. This is done through system settings from the computer.

To disable this function on Sony, go through “HOME” to “Settings” with the “suitcase”. From there - go to “Network” and “IPv6 Settings”.

In the settings, disable routing by confirming by pressing the “No” key.

The second solution is to eliminate interference. The router must be nearby and within line of sight. Concrete reinforced walls, dense obstacles and other devices may cause interference. All wireless connections in the apartment should be turned off.

It is always worth considering that the power of a TV processor is much lower than that of a computer and processes a limited range of tasks. The speed of loading sites, running games and other programs is much less than computer ones. And that's okay.

Description of Sony Bravia

The Japanese company never ceases to delight users with increasingly advanced models of gadgets.

The new Sony Bravia TV has not only an attractive design, but also excellent functionality.

The model appeared in 2021 and almost immediately received a bunch of positive reviews. The first thing you should pay attention to is the image quality.

The updated 4K HDR standard produces the best possible picture resolution without ripples or other noise.

The screen perfectly conveys the entire color gamut, creating a realistic effect. Contrast and clarity are the main characteristics of the gadget.

Watching TV has become much more enjoyable!

The literally sophisticated design makes the device not only an entertainment device, but also an interior item. It will fit perfectly into absolutely any style and complement it.

Important! The appearance of the equipment and functionality may differ depending on the region and the manufacturing company, however, the main features remain the same.

What can be highlighted from the convenient functionality of this TV, we will consider further.